What is a Blog?
Weblogs are spaces on the web where you can write and publish (post) about a topic or several topics. Unlike traditional websites, they provide instant, type-n-click publishing that can be done anywhere, anytime and from any browser. And, the best thing about weblogs is that they encourage discussion and interaction from many participants, not just a select few. Weblogs are sometimes referred to as "blogs", and the act of publishing (posting) to a weblog is often called "blogging." In educational circles, they are frequently referred to as "EduBlogs" or "Schoolblogs." Kids and teachers using blogs in the classroom (8 min video worth watching) From a teachers point of view a blog is:
just in time learning
are a way to improve my own writing
a place to share
easy way to create a website quickly
way to connect with others and make connections to learning
perfect spot for quick writes
perfect place to think outside the box
way to give students ownership of a personal space
a web site that encourages active engagement by the students and teacher
place to collaborate
up close and personal way to include parents in the process (in elementary schools)
From a student point of view a blog is:
a fun place to write
my own special territory
a place to practice my writing skill
power to be heard by the public
It's an educational site where you can think outside the box
People can post and I can respond
Nobody can control my perspective
can still be in school, but take a break from your regular routine
It helps you improve your writing
is a place to learn about other people in the world
People can tell you how your writings are
can do it when you're only a child and you do not have to wait
What you need to think about before you begin to create your weblog
Once you have had the opportunity to look at a number of weblogs, it's time to begin planning the weblog you want to create. You're probably eager to start right away, but if you want to create a good weblog, there are a number of things you need to think about first. Careful planning is the key to creating a successful weblog.
THINK ABOUT what you want to do with your weblog.
What kind of weblog do you want to create? What purpose will it serve?
Do you want to create a reflective weblog to blog about your personal teaching experiences or discuss your ideas about teaching in general?
Do you want to present a number of your favourite teaching techniques or ideas for using technology in language learning? Do you have clever ways to teach vocabulary or ideas for using poetry that you want to spotlight?
Maybe you want to create a blog with links to useful learning resources for your students?
Will this be a traditional classroom webpage with information for parents and students?
Will it be a class weblog to use with a class you are teaching right now? What kinds of information and learning tasks will you provide for your students and what will you ask them to do? Will you focus on one particular skill such as reading or writing? How would you like to involve your student
Weblogs are spaces on the web where you can write and publish (post) about a topic or several topics. Unlike traditional websites, they provide instant, type-n-click publishing that can be done anywhere, anytime and from any browser. And, the best thing about weblogs is that they encourage discussion and interaction from many participants, not just a select few. Weblogs are sometimes referred to as "blogs", and the act of publishing (posting) to a weblog is often called "blogging." In educational circles, they are frequently referred to as "EduBlogs" or "Schoolblogs."
Kids and teachers using blogs in the classroom (8 min video worth watching)
From a teachers point of view a blog is:
From a student point of view a blog is:
sample Blogs
Kindergarten Weblog
Super Students Blog
From the Principal's Office
Librarian Weblog
What you need to think about before you begin to create your weblog
Once you have had the opportunity to look at a number of weblogs, it's time to begin planning the weblog you want to create. You're probably eager to start right away, but if you want to create a good weblog, there are a number of things you need to think about first. Careful planning is the key to creating a successful weblog.
THINK ABOUT what you want to do with your weblog.
What kind of weblog do you want to create? What purpose will it serve?
Do you want to create a reflective weblog to blog about your personal teaching experiences or discuss your ideas about teaching in general?
Do you want to present a number of your favourite teaching techniques or ideas for using technology in language learning? Do you have clever ways to teach vocabulary or ideas for using poetry that you want to spotlight?
Maybe you want to create a blog with links to useful learning resources for your students?
Will this be a traditional classroom webpage with information for parents and students?
Will it be a class weblog to use with a class you are teaching right now? What kinds of information and learning tasks will you provide for your students and what will you ask them to do? Will you focus on one particular skill such as reading or writing? How would you like to involve your student
Create your blog **here**